Tech billionaire urges dissolution of Parliament and warns of “violence to come” as politicians condemn intervention in British politics
Elon Musk has provoked controversy in Britain after calling for a change of government and railing against what he termed the “woke mind virus” during a rally headlined by far-right activist Tommy Robinson in central London.
Speaking via video link at the “Unite the Kingdom” event on Saturday, the billionaire owner of X (formerly Twitter) told tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Whitehall that Britain was being “destroyed” by “massive uncontrolled migration” and warned ominously that “violence is coming” unless action is taken.
Musk, best known as the chief executive of Tesla and SpaceX, appeared onscreen in conversation with Robinson — whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon — as part of a rally organised by Advance UK, a small political party now fronted by former Reform UK deputy leader Ben Habib. Police estimated around 110,000 people attended the demonstration, which was met by counter-protests from approximately 5,000 anti-racism campaigners.
In a series of strikingly political remarks, Musk declared that Britain could not wait until the next scheduled general election, insisting instead that “something has got to be done” immediately. “There’s got to be a dissolution of Parliament and a new vote held,” he told the crowd.
He claimed the British state had failed in its most basic duty to protect its citizens. “What I see happening here is a destruction of Britain — initially a slow erosion but now a rapidly increasing erosion with massive uncontrolled migration. A failure by the Government to protect innocent people including children who are getting gang-raped. It’s unreal the Government has failed in its duty,” he said.
The South African-born entrepreneur, who is now a US citizen, suggested that ordinary Britons were being silenced by political correctness. “The British public are scared to exercise their free speech,” Musk told his audience. “I want to appeal to British common sense, to the reasonable centre, to the people who ordinarily wouldn’t get involved in politics. My message to them is this: if this continues, that violence is going to come to you. You will have no choice.”
His intervention immediately drew sharp criticism from mainstream politicians. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey condemned Musk’s appearance at the rally, warning that Britain’s democracy was “too precious to be a plaything for foreign tech barons.” Posting on X, Sir Ed accused Musk of acting out of self-interest: “Elon Musk doesn’t care about the British people or our rights. He only cares about himself and his ego.”
The remarks mark the latest in a series of interventions by Musk in British political debates. He has previously clashed with ministers over the grooming gangs scandal, using his social media platform to amplify criticism of official handling of child sexual exploitation cases. Last year, he attacked the Government’s Online Safety Act, describing the legislation as a grave threat to freedom of speech.
Musk has also cultivated links with figures on the populist right. He once enjoyed a warm relationship with Nigel Farage, though the pair later fell out after Farage supported Robinson. Rumours circulated at one point that Musk was considering funding Farage’s Reform UK party, though no donation ever materialised.
Robinson, who has long been a divisive figure in British politics, was enthusiastic about Musk’s intervention on Saturday. At the close of the interview, he declared: “Not only are we in the fight right now, but we’re on the advance thanks to free speech being fought for, for us, by Elon Musk.”
The rally itself, billed as a protest in defence of national sovereignty and free speech, drew large crowds waving Union flags and placards denouncing migration and “globalism”. Chants of “Save Britain” and “Stop the invasion” rang out along Whitehall, where speeches from Habib, Robinson and other figures were interspersed with live-streamed appearances by international supporters.
Counter-protesters, including members of Stand Up To Racism and other campaign groups, gathered nearby in Trafalgar Square. They accused Robinson and his allies of whipping up hatred against migrants and minorities. Police maintained a significant presence throughout the day to prevent clashes, and although tensions were high, only a handful of arrests were reported.
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey criticised the appearance, saying the UK’s democracy is “too precious to be a plaything for foreign tech barons”. Ed posted on X: “Our democracy is too precious to be a plaything for foreign tech barons. Elon Musk doesn’t care about the British people or our rights. He only cares about himself and his ego.”
